The Vienna-based artist blends pop culture references with street art, incorporating different techniques as well as vintage materials to create works that are simultaneously retro and topical. We reached out to GLOD for an interview, and here's what he had to say.

Hi, I’m Marcin Glod, a visual artist originally from Poland, raised in Vienna, Austria. Where I also study art, graphic and communication design. My work explores the intersection of fine art, street art, and contemporary culture. I use a range of mediums, from oil and acrylics to spray paint, to create pieces that tell stories, provoke thought, and challenge perspectives. My passion lies in blending traditional techniques with modern influences to create something timeless yet reflective of the present. I also always try to integrate my background from my design area and play with advertising elements.

The collaboration with solebox came naturally – it was a shared vision of combining art, culture, and fashion in a unique way. Solebox wanted to offer an experience beyond retail, and I saw an opportunity to bring my art into a new and dynamic setting. We started our first collaboration in 2020, and the Viennese scene was very enthusiastic about the collaboration and the works of art that we created together.

The international guests also traveled to the store especially to see this on site. The experience has been incredible; it’s not every day that art gets to live alongside sneakers and streetwear, and the interaction with a new audience has been inspiring. After the successful start, we sat down together again 2 years later and worked on a new, unique concept. And now as well, in 2024.

It’s a bit of both. Street art has always fascinated me because of its immediacy, its ability to interact with people in public spaces, and its unapologetic nature. As I evolved as an artist, I found myself naturally drawn to those raw, expressive elements. It’s a way to bring energy and authenticity into my work, while also staying connected to the pulse of urban culture.

Absolutely. I believe every industry, including the art world, has a responsibility to be more environmentally conscious. Using vintage materials in my work is not only about sustainability but also about storytelling – these materials come with their own history, and I love incorporating that into the narrative of my pieces. The art world has a unique platform to inspire change, and embracing sustainability can be a powerful statement.

My Polish heritage is deeply ingrained in my perspective as an artist. Growing up surrounded by Polish history and culture taught me the value of resilience and storytelling, both of which influence my work. The blend of traditional and modern elements in Polish art and design has inspired my own fusion of classical techniques and contemporary themes.

As a child, I was already inspired by the creative comic strips and Polish design. Also the urbanity of the street with all the graffiti. I think I unconsciously picked up a few things here.

It’s all about balance and prioritization. Being constantly on the move and collaborating with different people keeps me energized and inspired. I make it a point to carve out time to create, even if it means painting late at night or sketching while traveling. Art is my anchor, so no matter how busy things get, I always find a way to return to the studio.

The idea behind Nomz Art Gallery was to create a space where emerging and established artists could come together to showcase their work in an experimental and collaborative environment. As a curator, I’ve gained a deeper appreciation for the diversity of artistic voices and the challenges of bringing a cohesive vision to life. We try to support upcoming artist. It’s been a rewarding experience to step into a new role while still maintaining my identity as an artist.

In the end, unfortunately, I was far too busy looking after other artists and managing the gallery. It was a great experience, but I'm glad to be 100% back in art and have more time to build up my international brand.

I think digital technologies are essential for the evolution of the art world. The Metaverse, NFTs, and other digital innovations open up new ways to create, share, and experience art, breaking down barriers of accessibility and geography. While traditional forms of art will always have their place, embracing these tools allows us to connect with a broader audience and push the boundaries of creativity. For me, it’s not about replacing the old but expanding what’s possible.

We are still relatively at the beginning and the market will grow a lot. That's why it's good to deal with the topic of digitalization at an early stage. As an artist, you should try everything and use various media.